REFLECTIONS ON MAIDAN CHRISTINE CZOLI Five years ago, students came to the Maidan to defend their future - a future with Europe that respected democracy and the rule of law. The events that transpired there, in the central square in Kyiv, inspired many around the world, including Ukrainian Canadian students. I spent three days on Maidan in December 2013, just two weeks after Ukrainian students were beaten by the Berkut forces. At that time, there was a lull in the violence, and the atmosphere was incredible, with every person contributing what they could for the Maidan. I had never witnessed such expression of freedom, such compassion for others, and such determination for a shared vision of the future. It was a rare expression of human solidarity. The best description of this experience I’ve come across comes from Marci Shore, historian and author of the book “The Ukrainian Night”: “The Maidan was the site of the A ufhebung [repeal] of subjectivity: the highest moment of the achievement of selfhood was simultaneously the overcoming of the individual self, its transcendence into solidarity … This state of transcendence was fragile, it could last for but a moment - but it was a moment that most people never experienced in their lifetime. It was an encounter with one’s deepest selfhood through an encounter with others, the results of which could not have been foreseen.” Bearing witness to this solidarity inspired me to relay support to the people gathered at Maidan on behalf of Ukrainian Canadian students, on stage in Kyiv in the middle of a cold December night. And I was not alone in this: once back home, many students from across Canada reached out to SUSK, inspired to support Ukrainians in their cause. Ukrainian Canadian students became involved in demonstrations, charitable fundraisers, and arts projects, and raised awareness about the Maidan on their campuses. The energy and creativity expressed by SUSKites in this time was momentous, embodying a popular slogan of the Maidan: “Я крaпля в океaні, який змінить Укрaїну” / “I’m a drop in the ocean that will change Ukraine”. These activities strengthened SUSK by fostering growth of its member USOs and deepening its ties with other organizations in the Ukrainian Canadian community - all of which have helped SUSK to the present day. While it was a privilege to lead SUSK through the time of the Maidan, it is an even greater privilege to see that SUSK continues to inspire students to grow and become community leaders. And that is incredibly important, as the fight for dignity that began with Maidan continues today. I hope that the Maidan continues to serve as an inspiration to Ukrainian Canadian students - that real change begins with each one of us. Christine Czoli was SUSK President from 2013-2015. 21 UKRAINIAN CANADIAN STUDENTS’ UNION
VOLUME 61, ISSUE 02
